Guide to Choosing the Best Truck Tool Box

Most contractors cannot do without having their truck-bed toolbox in their possession, but you can as well own toolboxes for your truck as it is not only meant for contractors. In fact, due to the cheap price tag of some models (at most $300), you can rearrange your tools and put them inside the best truck tool box. However, there are some factors to consider before purchasing your truck toolbox.

Select the Style

Toolboxes for trucks are available in two main styles: chest and cross box (also termed as a saddle box). We will talk more about cross boxes due to their popularity and simple installation process. In addition, you can easily slide sheet products under it and position your tools at the side of the truck for easy access.

Answer the Security Question First

If you keep valuable items in your toolbox, it is best to opt for a top-of-the-line box with sturdy latches, beefy sidewalls, and a reinforced lid. But your main goal is to protect your tools from various elements, so you can decide to opt for one out of the numerous choices of truck toolboxes.

Check for Weather Resistance

Most of this equipment do amazingly well in terms of weather protection. But you will need to attach better latches and hinges and premium weather stripping to repel blowing sand and snow.

Consider Convenience

Any box is suitable of keeping your tools but what attracts you most is the ease of closing and opening it. We will be categorizing all the operational factors like closing, opening, and latch and lock performance under the convenience factor. Listed below are our convenience ratings:

A good lock operates without any difficulties. If there is a need to apply extra force for it to be operational, or the need to adjust it, then it has a low convenience rating.

Gas lifts should unlock the lid quickly. If they cannot do that without any assistance, then it has a low convenience rating.

Closing force: If we had to apply force to latch the lid, then the rating is low.

Select the Material

There is no better item compared to a steel box due to its excellent security features and strong abilities but be cautious if you reside in a coastal or northern area with salt spray or road salt. Once the paint distorts, you will be dealing with the rust. That is why Aluminum is widely used due to its rust repellent ability. An aluminum box weighs around 50lbs. which is lower than a steel unit. So, it can be easily detached. Of course, if you wish to get a cheap box to store items like tie-downs and jumper cables, I recommend that you opt for a plastic box.

A Chest Might be Best

Cross boxes are widely used. But if your truck comes with a tonneau cover or you are looking to get one, a chest box is the most suitable item. And since it is positioned around the bed rail’s height, it won’t obscure you from seeing via the cab’s rear window. This type of box is permanently attached to the bed floor, so it doesn’t give you access to slide lumber or sheet goods under it. Another upside is that a chest box can hold more tools compared to a cross box.